U.S. patent number 9,213,416 [Application Number 13/867,958] was granted by the patent office on 2015-12-15 for illuminated keyboard.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is Primax Electronics Ltd.. Invention is credited to Chung-Yuan Chen.
United States Patent |
9,213,416 |
Chen |
December 15, 2015 |
Illuminated keyboard
Abstract
An illuminated keyboard includes a key, a light guide plate, a
sensing circuit layer, and a light-transmissible elastic element.
The light-transmissible elastic element is disposed under the key.
The light-transmissible elastic element has a light-diffusing part.
The light guide plate and the sensing circuit layer are disposed
under the light-transmissible elastic element. The sensing circuit
layer is used for generating a non-contact key signal. After the
light beam transferred within the light guide plate is transmitted
upwardly through the light guide plate, the light beam is
transmitted through the light-transmissible elastic element.
Moreover, since the optical path of the light beam is changed by
the light-diffusing part, the light beam can be projected onto the
whole keycap more uniformly.
Inventors: |
Chen; Chung-Yuan (Taipei,
TW) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Primax Electronics Ltd. |
Neihu, Taipei |
N/A |
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
(Taipei, TW)
|
Family
ID: |
50727458 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/867,958 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140139441 A1 |
May 22, 2014 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 21, 2012 [TW] |
|
|
101143415 A |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/0202 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/168,170
;200/237,308,310,314 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Karimi; Pegeman
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kirton McConkie Witt; Evan R.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An illuminated keyboard, comprising: a sensing circuit layer for
generating at least one non-contact key signal; at least one key
disposed over said sensing circuit layer, wherein when said key is
depressed, said non-contact key signal is correspondingly generated
by said sensing circuit layer; at least one light-emitting element
for providing a light beam to said key; a light guide plate
disposed under said key for transferring said light beam from said
light-emitting element; and at least one light-transmissible
elastic element arranged between said key and said light guide
plate for providing an elastic force to said key, wherein said
light-transmissible elastic element has at least one
light-diffusing part, wherein after said light beam from said
light-emitting element is transmitted through said
light-transmissible elastic element, said light beam is projected
onto said key, wherein said sensing circuit layer comprises a first
electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a first substrate,
wherein said first electrode layer and said second electrode layer
are formed on said first substrate, wherein said first electrode
layer comprises plural first electrode patterns, and said second
electrode layer comprises plural second electrode patterns, wherein
when said sensing circuit layer is electrically conductive, plural
electric fields between said plural first electrode patterns and
said plural second electrode patterns are generated, wherein as a
keycap of said key is moved to a position near a corresponding
electric field, said corresponding electric field is changed, so
that said non-contact key signal is generated by said sensing
circuit layer.
2. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said
light guide plate is disposed under said sensing circuit layer,
wherein said light-transmissible elastic element is disposed on
said sensing circuit layer, wherein said sensing circuit layer is
light-transmissible.
3. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 2, wherein a first
electrode layer and a second electrode layer of said sensing
circuit layer is made of a transparent and electrically-conductive
material.
4. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 2, further
comprising a metallic base plate, wherein said metallic base plate
is disposed under said light guide plate.
5. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said
light guide plate is disposed over said sensing circuit layer,
wherein said light-transmissible elastic element is disposed on
said light guide plate.
6. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 5, further
comprising a metallic base plate, wherein said metallic base plate
is disposed under said sensing circuit layer.
7. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said key
comprises: a keycap, wherein said keycap is light-transmissible;
and a keycap guiding frame for fixing said keycap and guiding
movement of said keycap, wherein said keycap guiding frame
comprises at least one hollow portion, wherein said keycap is
movable within said hollow portion.
8. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 7, further
comprising a supporting plate, wherein said supporting plate is
disposed under said keycap guiding frame for fixing said keycap
guiding frame, wherein said supporting plate further comprises an
opening, wherein said light-transmissible elastic element is
penetrated through said opening and partially exposed over said
supporting plate.
9. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 7, further
comprising a conductive structure, wherein said conductive
structure is formed on an inner surface of said keycap, wherein
said conductive structure is a metallic paint film or a conductive
foam structure.
10. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said key
comprises: a keycap, wherein said keycap is light-transmissible;
and a connecting element, wherein said connecting element is
connected with said keycap, so that said keycap is movable upwardly
or downwardly relative to said sensing circuit layer, wherein said
connecting element is a scissors-type connecting element.
11. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 10, further
comprising a supporting plate, wherein said supporting plate is
disposed under said connecting element for fixing said connecting
element, wherein said supporting plate further comprises an
opening, wherein said light-transmissible elastic element is
penetrated through said opening and partially exposed over said
supporting plate.
12. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 10, further
comprising a conductive structure, wherein said conductive
structure is formed on an inner surface of said keycap, wherein
said conductive structure is a metallic paint film or a conductive
foam structure.
13. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element is located at a side of said light guide
plate.
14. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, further
comprising plural light-guiding structures, wherein said plural
light-guiding structures are formed on said light guide plate
corresponding to a keycap of said key, wherein said light beam from
said light-emitting element is guided by said plural light-guiding
structures to be projected onto said keycap.
15. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 1, wherein said
sensing circuit layer is a capacitive sensing circuit layer.
16. An illuminated keyboard comprising: a sensing circuit layer for
generating at least one non-contact key signal: at least one key
disposed over said sensing circuit layer, wherein when said key is
depressed, said non-contact key signal is correspondingly generated
by said sensing circuit layer; at least one light-emitting element
for providing a light beam to said key; a light guide plate
disposed under said key for transferring said light beam from said
light-emitting element; and at least one light-transmissible
elastic element arranged between said key and said light guide
plate for providing an elastic force to said key, wherein said
light-transmissible elastic element has at least one
light-diffusing part, wherein after said light beam from said
light-emitting element is transmitted through said
light-transmissible elastic element, said light beam is projected
onto said key, wherein said sensing circuit layer comprises a first
electrode layer, a second electrode layer, a second substrate and a
third substrate, wherein said first electrode layer and said second
electrode layer are formed on said second substrate and said third
substrate, respectively, wherein said first electrode layer
comprises plural first electrode patterns, and said second
electrode layer comprises plural second electrode patterns, wherein
when said sensing circuit layer is electrically conductive, plural
electric fields between said plural first electrode patterns and
said plural second electrode patterns are generated, wherein as a
keycap of said key is moved to a position near a corresponding
electric field, said corresponding electric field is changed, so
that said non-contact key signal is generated by said sensing
circuit layer.
17. An illuminated keyboard comprising: a sensing circuit layer for
generating at least one non-contact key signal; at least one key
disposed over said sensing circuit layer, wherein when said key is
depressed, said non-contact key signal is correspondingly generated
by said sensing circuit layer; at least one light-emitting element
for providing a light beam to said key; a light guide plate
disposed under said key for transferring said light beam from said
light-emitting element; and at least one light-transmissible
elastic element arranged between said key and said light guide
plate for providing an elastic force to said key, wherein said
light-transmissible elastic element has at least one
light-diffusing part, wherein after said light beam from said
light-emitting element is transmitted through said
light-transmissible elastic element, said light beam is projected
onto said key, wherein said light-diffusing part comprises plural
microstructures, a curvy surface or a lens, wherein after said
light beam from said light-emitting element is transmitted through
said light-transmissible elastic element, an optical path of said
light beam is changed by said plural microstructures, said curvy
surface or said lens.
18. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 17, wherein said
plural microstructures are plural V-cut structures or plural
texturing structures.
19. The illuminated keyboard according to claim 17, wherein said
lens is integrally formed with said light-transmissible elastic
element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a keyboard, and more particularly
to an illuminated keyboard with an illuminating function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A keyboard is one of the widely-used computer peripheral devices.
Via the keyboard, the user may input characters or commands into a
computer. FIG. 1 is a schematic top view illustrating the outward
appearance of a conventional keyboard. As shown in FIG. 1, the
conventional keyboard 1 comprises plural keys 10. When one of these
keys 10 is depressed by the user's finger, a corresponding signal
is transmitted from the keyboard 1 to the computer, so that a
corresponding key function is implemented by the computer. For
example, by depressing the key 101, a corresponding English letter
or a corresponding symbol is inputted into the computer. By
depressing the key 102, a corresponding number is inputted into the
computer. Moreover, by depressing the key 103, a corresponding
programmed function is quickly executed.
With increasing development of science and technology, the keyboard
manufacturers make efforts in designing novel keyboards with
diversified functions in order to meet the requirements of
different users. Recently, an illuminated keyboard with an
illuminating function has been introduced into the market.
Consequently, in a case that the illuminated keyboard is used in
the dim environment with insufficient luminance, the characters
marked on the keys of the illuminated keyboard are still clearly
visible to the user.
Since the outward appearance of the conventional illuminated
keyboard is similar to the outward appearance of the conventional
keyboard 1, only the inner structure of the conventional
illuminated keyboard will be illustrated in more details as
follows. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a
conventional illuminated keyboard.
Hereinafter, the components of the conventional illuminated
keyboard will be illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in
FIG. 2, the conventional illuminated keyboard 2 comprises at least
one key 21, a membrane switch circuit module 22, a base plate 23,
and a backlight module 24.
The key 21 comprises a keycap 211, an upward/downward supporting
member 212, and an elastic element 213.
Moreover, the membrane switch circuit module 22 comprises an upper
wiring plate 221 and a lower wiring plate 222. An upper contact
221a is formed on the upper wiring plate 221. Corresponding to the
upper contact 221a, a lower contact 222a is formed on the lower
wiring plate 222.
Moreover, the backlight module 24 comprises a light guide plate
241, a reflective plate 242, and a light-emitting element 243.
An assembling method and the operating principle of the
conventional illuminated keyboard 2 will be illustrated in more
details as follows. Firstly, both of the key 21 and the membrane
switch circuit module 22 are disposed on the base plate 23, and the
backlight module 24 is disposed under the base plate 23.
In particular, the upward/downward supporting member 212 of the key
21 is connected with the keycap 211 and the base plate 23. The
elastic element 213 is disposed within the upward/downward
supporting member 212, and arranged between the keycap 211 and the
base plate 23. The membrane switch circuit module 22 is arranged
between the elastic element 213 and the base plate 23.
As the key 21 is depressed, the keycap 211 is correspondingly moved
with the upward/downward supporting member 212 in a vertical
direction toward the base plate 23, and the membrane switch circuit
module 22 is pushed by a protrusion part 213a within the elastic
element 213. Under this circumstance, the upper contact 221a and
the lower contact 222a of the membrane switch circuit module 22 are
contacted with each other to be electrically conducted.
Consequently, a corresponding input function is executed. Moreover,
the elastic element 213 also provides an elastic force for allowing
the keycap 211 to be moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the
base plate 23.
Moreover, the light guide plate 241 is disposed under the base
plate 23. The reflective plate 242 is disposed under the light
guide plate 241. The light-emitting element 243 is located at a
side of the light guide plate 241. The light-emitting element 243
is used for providing a light beam to illuminate the illuminated
keyboard 2. After the light beam emitted by the light-emitting
element 243 is incident into the light guide plate 241, the light
beam is guided by the light guide plate 241 to be projected onto
the base plate 23. Moreover, the light beam from the light-emitting
element 243 may be reflected by the reflective plate 242, so that
the light beam is transferred within the light guide plate 241 more
uniformly.
From the above discussions, the keycap 211, the upward/downward
supporting member 212, the elastic element 213, the membrane switch
circuit module 22, the base plate 23, the light guide plate 241 and
the reflective plate 242 of the conventional illuminated keyboard 2
are sequentially arranged and assembled from top to bottom.
However, the conventional illuminated keyboard 2 still has some
drawbacks. Firstly, since the light guide plate 241 is located at
the relatively lower layer of the conventional illuminated keyboard
2, the portion of the light beam transmitted upwardly through the
light guide plate 241 to be projected onto the keycap 211 is
influenced by the plural overlying substrates and difficultly
controlled. Moreover, the elastic element 213 is mainly used to
press the membrane switch circuit module 22 in order to make
electrical connection between the upper contact 221a and the lower
contact 222a. Consequently, the protrusion part 213a within the
elastic element 213 is an essential component. Due to the
protrusion part 213a, the shape of the elastic element 213 is
restricted and fails to be changed at will. Due to the shape of the
elastic element 213, the light beam is readily projected to other
places instead of the keycap 211. Under this circumstance, the
luminance of the keycap 211 is adversely affected, and the light
beam projected onto the keycap 211 fails to be uniformly
distributed.
Therefore, there is a need of providing an improved illuminated
keyboard in order to eliminate the above drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an illuminated keyboard with uniform
illuminating efficacy.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an illuminated keyboard. The illuminated keyboard includes
a sensing circuit layer, at least one key, at least one
light-emitting element, a light guide plate, and at least one
light-transmissible elastic element. The sensing circuit layer is
used for generating at least one non-contact key signal. The key is
disposed over the sensing circuit layer. When the key is depressed,
the non-contact key signal is correspondingly generated by the
sensing circuit layer. The light-emitting element is used for
providing a light beam to the key. The light guide plate is
disposed under the key for transferring the light beam from the
light-emitting element. The light-transmissible elastic element is
arranged between the key and the light guide plate for providing an
elastic force to the key. The light-transmissible elastic element
has at least one light-diffusing part. After the light beam from
the light-emitting element is transmitted through the
light-transmissible elastic element, the light beam is projected
onto the key.
In an embodiment, the sensing circuit layer includes a first
electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a first substrate.
The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are formed
on the first substrate.
In an embodiment, the first electrode layer includes plural first
electrode patterns, and the second electrode layer includes plural
second electrode patterns. When the sensing circuit layer is
electrically conducted, plural electric fields between the plural
first electrode patterns and the plural second electrode patterns
are generated. As a keycap of the key is moved to a position near a
corresponding electric field, the corresponding electric field is
changed, so that the non-contact key signal is generated by the
sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the sensing circuit layer includes a first
electrode layer, a second electrode layer, a second substrate and a
third substrate. The first electrode layer and the second electrode
layer are formed on the second substrate and the third substrate,
respectively.
In an embodiment, the first electrode layer includes plural first
electrode patterns, and the second electrode layer includes plural
second electrode patterns. When the sensing circuit layer is
electrically conducted, plural electric fields between the plural
first electrode patterns and the plural second electrode patterns
are generated. As a keycap of the key is moved to a position near a
corresponding electric field, the corresponding electric field is
changed, so that the non-contact key signal is generated by the
sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the light guide plate is disposed under the
sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the sensing circuit layer is
light-transmissible.
In an embodiment, a first electrode layer and a second electrode
layer of the sensing circuit layer is made of a transparent and
electrically-conductive material.
In an embodiment, the light-transmissible elastic element is
disposed on the sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard includes a metallic base
plate. The metallic base plate is disposed under the light guide
plate.
In an embodiment, the light guide plate is disposed over the
sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the light-transmissible elastic element is
disposed on the light guide plate.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard further includes a
metallic base plate. The metallic base plate is disposed under the
sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the key includes a keycap and a keycap guiding
frame. The keycap guiding frame is used for fixing the keycap and
guiding movement of the keycap.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard further includes a
supporting plate. The supporting plate is disposed under the keycap
guiding frame for fixing the keycap guiding frame.
In an embodiment, the supporting plate further includes an opening.
The light-transmissible elastic element is penetrated through the
opening and partially exposed over the supporting plate.
In an embodiment, the keycap guiding frame includes at least one
hollow portion. The keycap is movable within the hollow
portion.
In an embodiment, the keycap is light-transmissible.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard further includes a
conductive structure. The conductive structure is formed on an
inner surface of the keycap.
In an embodiment, the conductive structure is a metallic paint film
or a conductive foam structure.
In an embodiment, the key includes a keycap and a connecting
element. The connecting element is connected with the keycap, so
that the keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the
sensing circuit layer.
In an embodiment, the connecting element is a scissors-type
connecting element.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard further includes a
supporting plate. The supporting plate is disposed under the
connecting element for fixing the connecting element.
In an embodiment, the supporting plate further includes an opening.
The light-transmissible elastic element is penetrated through the
opening and partially exposed over the supporting plate.
In an embodiment, the keycap is light-transmissible.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard further includes a
conductive structure. The conductive structure is formed on an
inner surface of the keycap.
In an embodiment, the conductive structure is a metallic paint film
or a conductive foam structure.
In an embodiment, the light-emitting element is located at a side
of the light guide plate.
In an embodiment, the illuminated keyboard further includes plural
light-guiding structures. The plural light-guiding structures are
formed on the light guide plate corresponding to a keycap of the
key. The light beam from the light-emitting element is guided by
the plural light-guiding structures to be projected onto the
keycap.
In an embodiment, the light-diffusing part includes plural
microstructures. After the light beam from the light-emitting
element is transmitted through the light-transmissible elastic
element, an optical path of the light beam is changed by the plural
microstructures.
In an embodiment, the plural microstructures are plural V-cut
structures or plural texturing structures.
In an embodiment, the light-diffusing part is a curvy surface.
After the light beam from the light-emitting element is transmitted
through the light-transmissible elastic element, an optical path of
the light beam is changed by the curvy surface.
In an embodiment, the light-diffusing part is a lens, which is
disposed on a top surface of the light-transmissible elastic
element. After the light beam from the light-emitting element is
transmitted through the light-transmissible elastic element, an
optical path of the light beam is changed by the lens.
In an embodiment, the lens is integrally formed with the
light-transmissible elastic element.
In an embodiment, the sensing circuit layer is a capacitive sensing
circuit layer.
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art
after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic top view illustrating the outward appearance
of a conventional keyboard;
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a
conventional illuminated keyboard;
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
illuminated keyboard according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a variant
of the illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a first exemplary light-diffusing
part of the light-transmissible elastic element used in the
illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a second exemplary light-diffusing
part of the light-transmissible elastic element used in the
illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a third exemplary light-diffusing
part of the light-transmissible elastic element used in the
illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a fourth exemplary light-diffusing
part of the light-transmissible elastic element used in the
illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 9 is a schematic partial perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of a first exemplary sensing circuit layer used
in the illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic partial perspective view illustrating the
outward appearance of a second exemplary sensing circuit layer used
in the illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
illuminated keyboard according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
illuminated keyboard according to a third embodiment of the present
invention; and
FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an
illuminated keyboard according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Hereinafter, the configurations of an illuminated keyboard
according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be
illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic
cross-sectional view illustrating an illuminated keyboard according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a
schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a variant of the
illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, a key 31, a supporting plate 32, a sensing
circuit layer 33, a light guide plate 34 and a metallic base plate
35 of the illuminated keyboard 3 are sequentially arranged from top
to bottom. Moreover, the illuminated keyboard 3 further comprises a
light-emitting element 36 and a light-transmissible elastic element
37. The light-emitting element 36 is located at a side of the light
guide plate 34.
The structures of the components of the illuminated keyboard 3 and
the relationships between these components will be illustrated as
follows. Firstly, the key 31 comprises a keycap 311 and a keycap
guiding frame 312. The keycap guiding frame 312 has a hollow
portion 312a. The keycap 311 is fixed in the hollow portion 312a of
the keycap guiding frame 312. In addition, the keycap 311 is
movable upwardly or downwardly within the hollow portion 312a. The
keycap guiding frame 312 is fixed on the supporting plate 32.
Moreover, the keycap 311 is light-transmissible. When a light beam
is projected onto the keycap 311, the light beam can be outputted
from the character region or the symbol region of the keycap 311.
Moreover, a conductive structure 313 is formed on an inner surface
311a of the keycap 311. In this embodiment, the conductive
structure 313 is a metallic paint film coated on the inner surface
311a of the keycap 311 or a conductive foam structure fixed on the
inner surface 311a of the keycap 311, but is not limited
thereto.
As shown in FIG. 3, the keycap guiding frame 312 is an integral
sheet-like body. That is, the keycap guiding frame 312 is shared by
plural keycaps 311. Moreover, the keycap guiding frame 312 has
plural hollow portions 312a under the plural keycaps 311 for
accommodating the plural keycaps 311, respectively. Alternatively,
in the variant example of FIG. 4, the illuminated keyboard 3
comprises plural keycap guiding frames 312. Each keycap guiding
frame 312 is disposed under a corresponding keycap 311. Moreover,
each keycap guiding frame 312 has a corresponding hollow portion
312a for accommodating the corresponding keycap 311.
Moreover, the light-transmissible elastic element 37 is disposed on
the sensing circuit layer 33. The light-transmissible elastic
element 37 is penetrated through a corresponding opening 321 of the
supporting plate 32 and partially exposed over the supporting plate
32. As the light-transmissible elastic element 37 is pressed by the
keycap 311 and moved downwardly, the light-transmissible elastic
element 37 generates an elastic force. In response to the elastic
force, the keycap 311 may be returned to an original position where
the keycap 311 is not depressed.
In particular, as the keycap 311 is moved downwardly, the
light-transmissible elastic element 37 is compressed and subjected
to deformation. When the keycap 311 is no longer depressed by the
user, the light-transmissible elastic element 37 is restored to its
original shape. Consequently, the keycap 311 is moved upwardly and
returned to the original position where the keycap 311 is not
depressed.
Please refer to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-8. More especially, the
light-transmissible elastic element 37 further comprises a
light-diffusing part 371. FIGS. 5-8 schematically illustrate four
exemplary light-diffusing parts of the light-transmissible elastic
element used in the illuminated keyboard according to the first
embodiment of the present invention. After the light beam emitted
by the light-emitting element 36 is transmitted through the
light-transmissible elastic element 37, the optical path of the
light beam is changed by the light-diffusing part 371.
Consequently, the light beam is diffused to the periphery of the
keycap 311. In other words, since the light beam passing through
the keycap 311 can be distributed more uniformly, the light beam
can be uniformly outputted from the character region or the symbol
region of the keycap 311.
For example, the light-diffusing part 371 comprises plural
microstructures. As shown in FIG. 5, the plural microstructures of
the light-diffusing part 371 are plural V-cut structures 3711,
which are produced by a V-cut process. As shown in FIG. 6, the
plural microstructures of the light-diffusing part 371 are
texturing structures 3712. The texturing structures 3712 are formed
on the surface of the light-transmissible elastic element 37 by a
chemical etching process.
Alternatively, the light-diffusing part 371 may be a special
profile of the light-transmissible elastic element 37. For example,
as shown in FIG. 7, the light-diffusing part 371 is a curvy surface
3713 of the light-transmissible elastic element 37. Alternatively,
as shown in FIG. 8, the light-diffusing part 371 is a lens 3714,
which is formed on a top surface of the light-transmissible elastic
element 37. Moreover, the lens 3714 may be integrally formed with
the light-transmissible elastic element 37.
As long as the light beam from the light-emitting element 36 can be
uniformly projected onto the whole keycap 311 by the
light-diffusing part 371, the material, size and shape of the
light-diffusing part 371 are not restricted.
Moreover, the sensing circuit layer 33 is disposed under the
supporting plate 32 for sensing whether the keycap 311 is depressed
by the user or not. If the depressing action of the keycap 311 is
sensed by the sensing circuit layer 33, the sensing circuit layer
33 generates a corresponding non-contact key signal. According to
the non-contact key signal, a corresponding function (e.g. a
function of inputting a character, a symbol or a number into a
computer system) is executed.
In this embodiment, the sensing circuit layer 33 is a capacitive
sensing circuit layer. Hereinafter, two exemplary sensing circuit
layers 33 will be illustrated. A first exemplary sensing circuit
layer 33 will be illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3 and 9. FIG.
9 is a schematic partial perspective view illustrating the outward
appearance of a first exemplary sensing circuit layer used in the
illuminated keyboard according to the first embodiment of the
present invention. It is noted that the sensing circuit layer 33 as
shown in FIG. 9 is presented herein for purpose of illustration and
description only. However, those skilled in the art will readily
observe that the forming method and the pattern of the sensing
circuit layer 33 may be varied according to the practical
requirements.
As shown in FIG. 9, the sensing circuit layer 33 comprises a first
electrode layer 331, a second electrode layer 332, and a first
substrate 333. The first electrode layer 331 and the second
electrode layer 332 are sequentially formed on the first substrate
333.
The first electrode layer 331 comprises plural first electrode
patterns 331a. The second electrode layer 332 comprises plural
second electrode patterns 332a. The plural second electrode
patterns 332a are located beside the plural first electrode
patterns 331a, respectively.
In this embodiment, each of the plural first electrode patterns
331a and the corresponding second electrode pattern 332a are
collaboratively defined as a key switch 334. Each key switch 334 is
aligned with the corresponding keycap 311.
For allowing the light beam from the light-emitting element 36 to
be projected onto the keycap 311, the first substrate 333 is made
of a transparent material. Consequently, the light beam can be
transmitted through the middle region of the second electrode
pattern 332a and directed to the light-transmissible elastic
element 37. In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 331 and
the second electrode layer 332 are made of a transparent and
electrically-conductive material. An example of the transparent and
electrically-conductive material includes but is not limited to
indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide, aluminum zinc oxide,
conductive polymeric material, graphene, silver bromide (AgBr),
indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), carbon nanotube, nano silver or
nano copper.
When the sensing circuit layer 33 is electrically conducted, plural
electric fields between the first electrode patterns 331a and the
corresponding second electrode patterns 332a of the key switches
334 are generated. As one of the keycap 311 is depressed by the
user, the conductive structure 313 on the inner surface 311a of the
keycap 311 is moved to a position near the underlying and
corresponding electric field. Under this circumstance, the
corresponding electric field is changed. Due to the change of the
electric field, a controller (not shown) generates a corresponding
non-contact key signal.
A second exemplary sensing circuit layer 33 will be illustrated
with reference to FIGS. 3 and 10. FIG. 10 is a schematic partial
perspective view illustrating the outward appearance of a second
exemplary sensing circuit layer used in the illuminated keyboard
according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is
noted that the sensing circuit layer 33 as shown in FIG. 10 is
presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only.
However, those skilled in the art will readily observe that the
forming method and the pattern of the sensing circuit layer 33 may
be varied according to the practical requirements.
As shown in FIG. 10, the sensing circuit layer 33 comprises a first
electrode layer 331, a second electrode layer 332, a second
substrate 333a, and a third substrate 333b. The first electrode
layer 331 and the second electrode layer 332 are formed on the
second substrate 333a and the third substrate 333b,
respectively.
In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 331 is formed on a
bottom surface of the second substrate 333a, and the second
electrode layer 332 is formed on a top surface of the third
substrate 333b, but is not limited thereto.
The first electrode layer 331 comprises plural first electrode
patterns 331b. The second electrode layer 332 comprises plural
second electrode patterns 332b, which are indicated by dotted
lines. The plural second electrode patterns 332b are located beside
the plural first electrode patterns 331b, respectively.
In this embodiment, each of the plural first electrode patterns
331b and the corresponding second electrode pattern 332b are
collaboratively defined as a key switch 336. Each key switch 336 is
aligned with the corresponding keycap 311.
Moreover, the light guide plate 34 is disposed under the sensing
circuit layer 33. The light guide plate 34 is used for transferring
the light beam from the light-emitting element 36.
In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 36 is a light
emitting diode (LED). The light guide plate 34 is made of a
transparent material. An example of the transparent material
includes but is not limited to polycarbonate (PC),
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or
silicone.
Moreover, in this embodiment, plural light-guiding structures 341
are formed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate 34. By the
plural light-guiding structures 341, the light beam from the
light-emitting element 36 and transferred within the light guide
plate 34 can be transmitted upwardly through the light guide plate
34 more smoothly. Moreover, the plural light-guiding structures 341
are disposed under the corresponding keycap 311.
That is, by the plural light-guiding structures 341, the light beam
from the light-emitting element 36 and transferred within the light
guide plate 34 is transmitted upwardly through the light guide
plate 34 and then transmitted through the sensing circuit layer 33
and the light-transmissible elastic element 37. Then, by the
light-diffusing part 371 of the light-transmissible elastic element
37, the optical path of the light beam is changed by the
light-diffusing part 371. Finally, the light beam is uniformly
projected onto the keycap 311. Consequently, the light beam can be
outputted from the character region or the symbol region of the
keycap 311 in order to exhibit the illuminating efficacy.
In accordance with the present invention, the plural light-guiding
structures 341 of the light guide plate 34 are produced by a
printing method or a non-printing method.
For example, in the printing method, a screen printing process is
performed for printing light-guiding ink on the light guide plate
34 to produce the plural light-guiding structures 341 with
different shapes and distribution ranges. In the non-printing
method, a chemical etching process or a laser engraving process is
firstly performed to design a mold and then an injection molding
process or a hot embossing process is performed to form the plural
light-guiding structures 341 on the light guide plate 34.
It is noted that the plural light-guiding structures 341 as shown
in FIG. 3 are presented herein for purpose of illustration and
description only. However, those skilled in the art will readily
observe that the shape, the forming method and the distribution
range of the plural light-guiding structures 341 may be varied
according to the practical requirements.
Afterwards, the metallic base plate 35 is disposed under the
sensing circuit layer 34 for supporting the above components and
increasing the overall structural strength of all components of the
illuminated keyboard 3.
It is noted that the metallic base plate 35 is not an essential
component. If the illuminated keyboard 3 has sufficient overall
structural strength, the metallic base plate 35 may be omitted.
The present invention further provides an illuminated keyboard of a
second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view
illustrating an illuminated keyboard according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 11, a key 41, a supporting plate 42, a light guide plate
43, a sensing circuit layer 44 and a metallic base plate 45 of the
illuminated keyboard 4 are sequentially arranged from top to
bottom. Moreover, the illuminated keyboard 4 further comprises a
light-emitting element 46 and a light-transmissible elastic element
47. The light-emitting element 46 is located at a side of the light
guide plate 43. The light-transmissible elastic element 47 is
disposed on the light guide plate 43. The light-transmissible
elastic element 47 is disposed on the light guide plate 43.
Moreover, the light-transmissible elastic element 47 is penetrated
through the supporting plate 42 and partially exposed over the
supporting plate 42.
The structures and materials of the components of the illuminated
keyboard 4 are similar to those of the illuminated keyboard 3 of
first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein.
In comparison with the first embodiment, the light guide plate 43
of the illuminated keyboard 4 of the second embodiment is disposed
over the sensing circuit layer 44. Since the light guide plate 43
is disposed over the sensing circuit layer 44, it is not necessary
to make the sensing circuit layer 44 light-transmissible.
Hereinafter, an illuminated keyboard of a third embodiment will be
illustrated with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a schematic
cross-sectional view illustrating an illuminated keyboard according
to a third embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 12, a key 51, a supporting plate 52, a sensing circuit
layer 53, a light guide plate 54 and a metallic base plate 55 of
the illuminated keyboard 5 are sequentially arranged from top to
bottom. Moreover, the illuminated keyboard 5 further comprises a
light-emitting element 56 and a light-transmissible elastic element
57. The light-emitting element 56 is located at a side of the light
guide plate 54.
In comparison with the first embodiment and the second embodiment,
the key 51 and supporting plate 52 of the illuminated keyboard 5 of
the third embodiment are distinguished.
In this embodiment, the key 51 comprises a keycap 511 and a
connecting element 512. The connecting element 512 is a
scissors-type connecting element.
Moreover, the scissors-type connecting element 512 comprises a
first frame 5121 and a second frame 5122. The first frame 5121 is
pivotally coupled to the second frame 5122, and the first frame
5121 and the second frame 5122 intersect each other. A first end
5121a of the first frame 5121 and a first end 5122a of the second
frame 5122 are connected to a first fixing structure 5111 and a
second fixing structure 5112 of the keycap 511, respectively. A
second end 5121b of the first frame 5121 and a second end 5122b of
the second frame 5122 are connected to a third fixing structure 521
and a fourth fixing structure 522 of the supporting plate 52,
respectively.
As any keycap 511 is depressed, the first frame 5121 and the second
frame 5122 are rotated relative to each other. Consequently, the
keycap 511 is moved downwardly.
Moreover, the keycap 511 is light-transmissible. When a light beam
is projected onto the keycap 511, the light beam can be outputted
from the character region or the symbol region of the keycap 511.
Moreover, a conductive structure 513 is formed on an inner surface
511a of the keycap 511. In this embodiment, the conductive
structure 513 is a metallic paint film coated on the inner surface
511a of the keycap 511 or a conductive foam structure fixed on the
inner surface 511a of the keycap 511, but is not limited
thereto.
Moreover, the light-transmissible elastic element 57 is disposed on
the sensing circuit layer 53. The light-transmissible elastic
element 57 is penetrated through a corresponding opening 523 of the
supporting plate 52 and partially exposed over the supporting plate
52. As the light-transmissible elastic element 57 is pressed by the
keycap 511 and moved downwardly, the light-transmissible elastic
element 57 generates an elastic force. In response to the elastic
force, the keycap 511 may be returned to an original position where
the keycap 511 is not depressed.
In particular, as the keycap 511 is moved downwardly, the
light-transmissible elastic element 57 is compressed and subjected
to deformation. When the keycap 511 is no longer depressed by the
user, the light-transmissible elastic element 57 is restored to its
original shape. Consequently, the keycap 511 is moved upwardly and
returned to the original position where the keycap 511 is not
depressed. At the same time, the first frame 5121 and the second
frame 5122 are rotated relative to each other again, and thus the
first frame 5121 and the second frame 5122 are returned to their
original positions.
The structures and materials of other components of the illuminated
keyboard 5 are similar to those of the illuminated keyboard 3 of
first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein.
Hereinafter, an illuminated keyboard of a fourth embodiment will be
illustrated with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a schematic
cross-sectional view illustrating an illuminated keyboard according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 13, a key 61, a supporting plate 62, a light guide plate
63, a sensing circuit layer 64 and a metallic base plate 65 of the
illuminated keyboard 6 are sequentially arranged from top to
bottom. Moreover, the illuminated keyboard 6 further comprises a
light-emitting element 66 and a light-transmissible elastic element
67. The light-emitting element 66 is located at a side of the light
guide plate 63. The light-transmissible elastic element 67 is
disposed on the light guide plate 63. Moreover, the
light-transmissible elastic element 67 is penetrated through the
supporting plate 62 and partially exposed over the supporting plate
62.
The structures and materials of the components of the illuminated
keyboard 6 are similar to those of the illuminated keyboard 5 of
third embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein.
In comparison with the third embodiment, the light guide plate 63
of the illuminated keyboard 6 of the fourth embodiment is disposed
over the sensing circuit layer 64. Since the light guide plate 63
is disposed over the sensing circuit layer 64, it is not necessary
to make the sensing circuit layer 64 light-transmissible.
From the above descriptions, the present invention provides an
illuminated keyboard. The illuminated keyboard has a non-contact
sensing circuit layer for sensing whether the keycap is depressed
by the user or not. In other words, the conventional elastic
element with the protrusion part (e.g. a rubber dome) for pressing
the membrane switch circuit module is not included in the
illuminated keyboard of the present invention. Consequently, when
the light beam from the light-emitting element is projected
upwardly onto the keycap, the propagating direction of the light
beam is not obviously changed. Under this circumstance, the light
beam can be projected onto the whole keycap more uniformly.
Moreover, the illuminated keyboard of the present invention further
comprises a light-transmissible elastic element. The shape of the
light-transmissible elastic element is not restricted. The
light-transmissible elastic element comprises a light-diffusing
part. By adjusting the material, size or shape of the
light-diffusing part, the optical path of the light beam passing
through the light-diffusing part is changed. Consequently, the
light beam can be projected onto the whole keycap more
uniformly.
While the invention has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be
limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which
are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and similar structures.
* * * * *